- 1. Essays and Criticism by William Hazlitt is a remarkable collection that encapsulates the profound insights and eloquent prose of one of the foremost English essayists of the early 19th century. Hazlitt, known for his sharp intellect and keen observation of human nature, explores a wide array of subjects including literature, art, philosophy, and personal reflections on society. In this work, he deftly critiques the romantic poets, particularly the likes of Wordsworth and Coleridge, while also offering illuminating commentary on the nature of criticism itself. Hazlitt's essays are characterized by their conversational style, rich in rhetorical flourish and deep emotional resonance, inviting readers to engage with his passionate arguments on creativity and the arts. His ability to weave together personal experience with broader cultural critique allows for a deeply immersive reading experience that challenges conventional thinking. This collection not only serves as a critical lens through which to understand the literary movements of his time but also reflects Hazlitt's unique perspective on the human condition, making it a timeless contribution to both literary criticism and personal essay writing.
In 'My First Acquaintance with Poets,' which two poets does Hazlitt meet?
A) Keats and Blake
B) Byron and Shelley
C) Coleridge and Wordsworth
D) Pope and Dryden
- 2. Which of these is a hallmark of Hazlitt's familiar essay style?
A) Writing exclusively in verse
B) A conversational and personal tone
C) Strict adherence to a rigid, impersonal structure
D) Extensive use of complex mathematical formulas
- 3. Hazlitt's essay 'On Going a Journey' promotes the idea of solitude for what purpose?
A) Finding a new job
B) Avoiding all human contact permanently
C) Improving physical fitness
D) Reflection and freedom of thought
- 4. Which work by Hazlitt is a collection of his lectures on English poets?
A) Lectures on the English Poets
B) Table-Talk
C) Political Essays
D) The Round Table
- 5. Hazlitt was also known for his proficiency in what other field?
A) Painting
B) Astrology
C) Surgery
D) Engineering
- 6. In his criticism, Hazlitt often valued what in literature above strict rules?
A) Historical accuracy
B) Power and feeling
C) Grammatical precision
D) Rhyming structure
- 7. What personal event deeply affected Hazlitt and is reflected in 'Liber Amoris'?
A) An obsessive and unrequited love
B) The death of his child
C) Bankruptcy
D) A severe illness
- 8. Which publication was a major outlet for Hazlitt's essays?
A) The London Magazine
B) The Farmers' Almanac
C) The Wall Street Journal
D) Scientific American
- 9. The essay 'The Indian Jugglers' leads Hazlitt to meditate on what?
A) The nature of excellence and mastery
B) Cooking techniques
C) The history of India
D) Religious rituals
- 10. Hazlitt's essay 'On Criticism' argues that good criticism requires what?
A) A hatred of the author
B) Complete objectivity
C) Sympathy and understanding
D) A university degree
- 11. Which collection gives its name to Hazlitt's casual, discursive essay form?
A) Sketches and Essays
B) Table-Talk
C) The Plain Speaker
D) Winterlow
- 12. In which century did William Hazlitt primarily write?
A) 20th century
B) 17th century
C) 18th century
D) 19th century
- 13. Which Shakespearean character does Hazlitt analyze in a famous essay?
A) Hamlet
B) Oberon
C) Macbeth
D) Prospero
- 14. What personal experience heavily influenced Hazlitt's political views?
A) Running for Parliament
B) Serving in the British Navy
C) Managing a large estate
D) Disappointment with Napoleon
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